Serving Like Jesus

John 13.12-17 In a large household in Israel in the first century there would be a number of servants. Each would have tasks assigned to them. To the lowest servant would fall the job of washing the feet of the guests who came into the home. Interesting how foot care differs in the Far East, Middle East and west. In the Far East the change is into slippers from regular shoes when entering into a home. In the Middle East sandals were prevalent- feet were washed when entering. Feet in leather sandals in the first century would perspire, pick up a lot of dirt and need a good washing. It was very refreshing to the washee but unpleasant to the washer! 1- It was a dirty job. Washing the dirt off the feet got your hands dirty! 2- It was a distasteful job. Odor 3- It was a disgusting job. How we tend to sanitize the manger, the cross and even this act on the part of Jesus. Now on the way to Jerusalem for the feast (just before they left Capernaum- Matthew 18.1-5) and at the table that night (Luke 22.23-32) they had been arguing over who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Perhaps this is in part what happened to bring on Jesus' washing their feet. He spoke to them about this act of serving. Many times our LORD would do things while He was here on earth- healings and miracles and say very little. Here He speaks with more words than usual and with deep meaning. He begins with... 1. A Deep Question About Servanthood -v.12 "Do you understand what I have done for you?" God Almighty in the flesh washing the feet of men! The Creator/ the creatures Do you perceive? Have you come to an intimate embrace of what I have done for you? There is no task beneath us!... any of us... particularly ministers There are great spiritual truths here! *God's servants serve. *A willingness to take the lowest spot and serve like Christ is the best. *Love and Joy in serving is priceless. 2. Jesus Sets the Example vs.13-15 Do what He has done- in our culture washing feet is not an issue really but doing lowly tasks, the jobs no one else wants are huge- it is what Christ is all about. The LORD and Master performed the act of a slave. He is our example. There are many things to be done in the kingdom today. Whatever you do, so it with the love like Jesus did. He is lover personified. See a need and meet it in Jesus's Name! Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God I Corinthians 10.31 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the LORD... Colossians 3.32 Let this mind be in you that also was in Christ Jesus Philippians 2.3-5 Voluntarily Lovingly Aiming at Perfection Pouring out: The feast in John 7.37-39 Mary in John 12 Jesus in John 13 3. There is a blessing that comes when we serve like Jesus. vs.16-17 know= grasp the force and meaning, be skilled in regard for, cherish Greatness - kill that passion to be great by serving. Be a bond servant (doulos) Put Christ's words into practice and you will receive great blessings. Don't be self serving. Serve others.

Become Like Christ

Some of blessings (better experienced than explained) is rapturous joy, a sense of following Christ, connecting with people on a deep level making memories that will bless you, being a an instrument in the Master's Hand.

I Will serve Thee

The Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ

John 12. 20-36

This was at the time of the Passover Feast. Jesus was about to transform it into the LORD's Supper, something we will continue to celebrate until He comes again.

As with each feast in the first 67 years of that first century there were God fearing Jews as well as converts to Judaism from all over the world.

After being anointed on Saturday by Mary and riding into Jerusalem on what we know now as Palm Sunday or the Triumphal Entry, these events took place. We see several truths in this passage this morning. It is very evident that...

1. God So Loved The World - John 3.16/12.20-22
Here we see the Greek people, worshiping Greek people seeking Jesus.
Their request is simple but profound... "we would like to see Jesus."

I can go to a baseball game at Citifield and see all the Mets. I have seen them.
Years ago Dave Howard arranged for a group of us from Bay Shore and Patchogue Nazarene Churches to meet a few players. We met Orel Herschiser. He signed autographs, shook hands. But I am sure he doesn't remember any of us today.

One time years ago, a person told me that they had dinner with Norman Rockwell one night in New England. I was impressed. I love his paintings. However when I pressed for more information the truth came out. It turned out that he had eaten in a restaurant at the same time as Norman Rockwell. They were seated a few tables away. Their waiter said, "Do you know who that is?" They did not. They said, "He is the famous artist Norman Rockwell."

These Greek men came and asked to see Jesus.
See means more than just what I have described. It means in the original Greek language to
have an interview with, to visit, to get to know

I absolutely love how approachable Jesus is Whoever desires can come and dine with the Master. He is ready to meet with people who want to meet with Him and get acquainted deeply with God! He welcomes sinners!

The desire for conversation with God is at the heart of all true prayer. We want to see Him, know Him, visit with Him, ask Him questions and hear His responses.

God desires this. He cares about Japan this morning and the 10/40 window. He loves those on Wall Street and Main Street. He loves the Nicodemuses and the Josephs' of Arimithea but He points out with special care the widow who gave all she had to live on to the LORD. He loves saint and sinner and bids sinners come to find life.

God loves the world so much He gave His One and Only Son to die for us!

2. The Kingdom of God is about Death and Eternal Life. vs.23-28
So opposite of natural thinking. Dietrich Bonhoffer wrote, "When Jesus calls a man He bids him, "Come and die."

Jesus set the example, blazed the trail, established the plan of salvation by His Own Life and Death and Resurrection.

Give up your life- yourself and you will find life.
We can't follow Jesus without denying ourselves.

II Corinthians 4.11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake so that His Life may be revealed in our mortal body.
Only the LORD can bring New Life after the death of our old life. Lazarus was an example of this and an analogy. He gained notoriety because of Jesus. People came to see this man whom Jesus raised from the dead. There are all kinds of "unknown" people. Ones who never make the headlines, who have given all for Jesus. God knows who they are and they will be rewarded richly in heaven one day.

If we listen carefully while we are here on earth we'll hear...

3. Voices From Heaven. vs.28-36
God speaks to us today through His Word to our hearts. This is for our benefit, for our sakes.

Sometimes He will take a specific passage or line from scripture. I remember when I was a young man, our pastor spoke on the prodigal son. The words, "I will arise and go to my father." All afternoon and into the evening those words burned into a man's heart who was there that morning. He had drifted far from God and had just begun to attend church. Before that night was over He had recommitted his life to Christ. He had a heard a voice from heaven.

Talk to missionaries about their call and you will find this as well. They heard, some in very mystical ways, a voice from heaven.

There are times when a person or place is laid on our heart. I remember hearing as a little kid about China and how the missionaries had to come back a few years before I was born. God laid that nation on my heart when I was very young. Back about 20 years ago I began to read more books about it, about Hudson Taylor and the missions of the 1800's. This grew with intensity. We sent money to bring Bibles to China... I have got to go there twice (and we talk regularly to our family there through Skype) and LORD willing will go again, God speaks and if we listen He will open doors for us to share in His work.

Here the Voice from heaven, the Father speaking of Christ's death and resurrection. We need to hear from Heaven daily!
Believe as children of the light.

God loves the whole world and He sent Jesus to die for it. Jesus is sending us into is today!

Death and Life

John 11

This was the miracle set off the plot "to take Jesus' life". Jesus said, "The reason My Father loves Me is that I lay down my life - only to take it up again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My Own accord. I have the authority to lay it down and to take it up again. This command I received from My Father (John 10.17-18).

We see the power of love, the power of the resurrection in this account of Lazarus along with the power of hatred. (vs.45-53) Hatred brings death. Hatred robs us of joy, God's work and the ability to see miracles.

Humanly speaking if the LORD should have responded to anyone's request of healing from sickness it should have been for Lazarus from his sisters.

1. God does not always do what we want. vs.1-7
No, not even in healing. There are many of us who prayed earnestly for the healing of a loved one and they died. Some struggle with ailing health all their lives. We ought to keep asking until God says "No." James 5.16 The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
We can relate to the emotions of Mary and Martha.
v.21 Martha v.32 Mary "LORD... if You had been here my brother would not have died."
Psalm 10.1 Why, O LORD, do You stand far off? Why do You hide Yourself in times of trouble?
Psalm 22.2 My God, I cry out by day, but You do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.
Job 30.20 I cry out to You God, but you do not answer, I stand , but You merely look at me.

Now if there is any lack of faith or persistence in prayer or sin when it comes to healing we know that is on our part, not God's. However look at the people who gave these words:
Job, a perfect and upright man.
David, a man after God's own heart
Mary, who sat at the feet of Jesus and poured perfume worth a year's wages anointing Him.

Martha, who loved the LORD.

2. The LORD has a purpose in everything He does. vs.8-16
He even rides out His purposes on men's' evil intents! He is the LORD!
*When He was born His Father got His mother Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem on the decree of Caesar Augustus.
*When it was His time to die, it was the Jewish Ruling Council and the Roman Government who carried out the trials and the crucifixion. But it was really Christ laying down His life of His own accord.

The LORD let Lazarus die. There was no one who understood why.

Today there may be things going on in your life for which there are no answers. Perhaps there is something you prayed for or someone you prayed for and the answer you had hoped for has not come. Perhaps you can relate very well to Mary, Martha, the disciples, David, and Job.

Remember the Good News in this season we are in is Jesus is Alive. It really is the news for all seasons. He died, was laid in the tomb and is alive forevermore. He conquered death.

When it seems like someone has dies or something has died and said goodbye remember Christ has the final word. Our loved ones who died in the LORD top this list!

3. The LORD loves to put commas where we put periods and He loves to write the last chapter after we have closed the book! vs.17-44
No one was expecting this miracle. Martha expressed hope but it was clouded. This was at the end of Jesus' ministry on earth. He had raised others like the widow's son at Nain but no one after they had been dead for the 4 days.
v.35 is tied into v.33
All things were made through Him- John 1.3 He knew firsthand death was not a part of creation.
He saw the lack of faith and understanding of Who He was.- the Resurrection and the Life.
He cries with those family members die.
v.40 Still today. Believe!
v.41-42 God helps our faith
v.43 Vance Havner "Good thing He specified "Lazarus" or He would have emptied the whole cemetery. Remember Martha's words with Jesus v.23-27 True of Lazarus and all who believe
I Thessalonians 4.13-18
There was a mixed multitude v.45-47
Philippians 3.18 For as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.
v.48-53 God's purposes were accomplished. Lazarus had died and was brought back to life. Jesus died for the world but death could not hold Him- Up From the Grave He Arose!

He Lives!

Giving Abundantly

Exodus 36.1-7
II Corinthians 9.6-15

The LORD had been good to Israel. Psalm 73.1 Surely God is good to Israel
With her humble beginnings as a family of twelve brothers, she grew into a great nation while in Egypt under bitter and different circumstances.

What His Mighty Hand the LORD delivered them from slavery. Deuteronomy 5.15 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm...

Israel enjoyed (still does today), like no other Middle East nation, the blessings of God upon its land. Israel has an abundance of water - fresh water, which to the Middle East nations, is more valuable than oil. Its climate is so varied. It can be snowing in Jerusalem and down by the Dead Sea 90 minutes away (17 miles by road, actually 10 miles) it can be 80. It is an amazing land. David Ben-Gurion, Israel first Prime Minister said, "In Israel, in order to be a realist, you must believe in miracles." Surely God is good to Israel.

When the time came to build the tabernacle God had Moses issue a call to the people to give 35.4-9. Thankful people give to the LORD. Thanksgiving comes from the heart. 35.20-21 God loves a cheerful giver. Giving is not to be forced or reluctantly done. It is a spiritual act of joyful worship acknowledging the LORD and His goodness in our lives.

Then Israelites gave so much that vs.6-7 Moses had to give an order to the people not to bring anymore gifts. They gave abundantly to where there was more than enough to do the work God had directed them to do.

Giving Abundantly...

1. Out of Obedience to the LORD -v.1
God calls us to give. It is His desire to be a joint venture partner with us... He invites us to join Him. It is a joy!

There are many contemporary accounts of this.

Willing hearts Exodus 35.5 The value of the gift lies in the motive and heart of the giver.

Think today of all the LORD has blessed you with beginning with eternal life!
His Word, His Spirit, His people, the blessings which come.

2. The was an act of sanctified extravagance.

Mary of Bethany with the Alabaster Jar of perfume Mark 14.1-9
The Feeding of the 5,000 men John 6.1-13
It is spring time wild flowers will be blooming- some in the mountains where few human eyes will see, God has splashed colors all over

We need to model Mary and be an imitator of God in this grace of giving... not gaudy or showy, but extraordinary and abundantly as He has given to us. We sow and God causes the seed to grow.

3. Out of Love

Mary, the children of Israel and the church- giving should be out of love for the LORD.

Jesus came that we may have life abundantly John 10.10
He is able to do abundantly above all we could ever ask or imagine. Ephesians 3.20-21
He loads us with blessings.

Give of your best

Give abundantly

Give out of love

For all He has given

The blessings from above.

The Law, Grace and Truth

Exodus 34.1-7
John 1.14-17

Israel had sinned greatly against the LORD. It looked as it He was going to Personally withdraw from them. The people mourned. Moses interceded. God remained. After this Moses went back up on Mount Sinai and the in the midst of receiving the second set of tablets to replace the first set Moses broke, the LORD revealed Himself to Moses in a beautiful way.

He proclaimed His Name. In so doing He revealed to Moses His Merciful Character. In getting the law for Israel Moses saw God's Grace and Truth.

1. The LORD -v.6 The Self Existing One, I AM= Who was, Is and Will Be Forever
He self exists. You and I need air, water, food, clothing, shelter, companionship, sleep
The LORD exists separately. He is dependent on nothing. He does not have our needs.
Psalm 121.4 He Who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep
Hosea 11.9 For I am God, and not a man- the Holy One among you.
The LORD is seated on His Throne in Heaven, The LORD is my Shepherd, He is with us.

2. The LORD is the Compassionate and Gracious God. -v.6
Israel had committed a horrible sin. They broke the first two commandments. They ascribed to the golden calf the honor due the LORD- how foolish! How utterly stupid. Intelligent people, God's people thinking some man made object could do anything.

They rebelled and insulted the LORD deeply. God could have destroyed them- or just left them to their own schemes. But He did not. He is showing them mercy in His compassion and wonderful grace. He lengthens mercy to bring everyone in.

Psalm 103.13-14 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him; for He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust.

He is aware of your situation this morning as He looks down from heaven upon the earth and observes us. He knows our capabilities, our limitations, our weaknesses and our sins.
Compassion was something that moved Jesus while He was here on earth- it is not just a feeling.

In His Grace and in His Mercy...

3. The LORD is Slow To Anger
II Peter 3.15- Bear in mind that our LORD's patience means salvation
This is given in the context of His return and judgement.

4. The LORD is Abounding in Love and Faithfulness.
Psalm 108.4 For great is Your Love, higher than the heavens; You faithfulness reaches to the skies.
There is no shadow of turning with the LORD.
His Word stand firm in the heavens - Psalm 119.89
The stars and the movement of the planets are amazing. They tell of the faithfulness of God.
The earth's rotation around the sun
The moon's revolution around the earth
The earth's revolution around the sun -Precision we measure time by these things: minutes, days, months and years.
They tell of the faithfulness and love of God. For the faithful, the Faithful One is always on time and often shows up at the last minute- look at Abraham and Issac on Mount Moriah!

David wrote (Psalm 19.1-4)
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His Hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the earth.

5. Maintaining Love to Thousands- v.7
Karl Barth, the Swiss Theologian, spoke in Chicago years ago. He was asked by one of a hall full of seminary students, "Dr. Barth, what is the most profound theological thought you have ever had?" Barth answered, "The most profound theological thought I ever had was, 'Jesus loves me this I know. For the Bible tells me so.'"

6. Forgiving Wickedness, Rebellion and Sin- v.7
lit. bear up, carry- The LORD's Prayer- teach us to pray, "Forgive us our trespasses, debts, sins..." Wonderful Grace

7. The LORD is the Righteous Judge- Sovereign LORD
There are consequences of sin. The LORD maintains justice. Those who refuse to repent bring trouble on generations to come- example unforgiveness- family feuds-have been transmitted down the line. Kids pick up on it and sometimes it is generations before it is resolved.

This all about God's Mercy- Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.

Using Our God Given Abilities For His Kingdom

Exodus 31.1-11

When the LORD desires to do a work He uses human beings most of the time. Since creation He has involved us in His Work.
He could have used angels to go into all the world since He went back into heaven and preach the gospel. They would have done a better job. In the end we are told in Revelation an angel will complete this task.
The LORD has decided to use us to accomplish His purposes. All of us have abilities- God given talents, spiritual gifts which He wants us to use in His Kingdom.
Bezalal and Oholiab were chosen by God. Chosen= called by name
Bezalal= in the shadow of God
Oholiab= Father's tent He was the chief assistant in building the tabernacle.

First and above anything else, if a person desires to serve the LORD he or she must be filled with the Spirit of God. - v.3 That was the question of the New Testament church. not: How many does your church run in attendance or how much money do you raise? Not even how is your worship band? The question of the New Testament Church was, "Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed? Are you filled with the Spirit?

Far too often this is overlooked. When it does the results are disastrous. If a shepherd is filled with himself rather than the Spirit- pity that flock! We have seen too many whom did not have the to meet this qualification and the results have been tragic.

To be filled with God's Spirit is to be emptied of one's self.
To be filled with the Spirit of God means not depending on myself but on Him.
To be filled with the Spirit means power in serving the LORD.

Second, they were filled with skill, ability and knowledge. God provides us with the means of fulfilling his purposes. I remember the little book shelf I was given by Dan and Lillette Buttenmuller in Bible College. They had bought a set of encyclopedias and it came with it. They didn't need it anymore so they gave it to me. I still have it. It is in my study in the parsonage. On it back in the day I began my library. I remember over the year how pastors who went to be with the heaven and their widows would invite to help myself to the treasures of old books.- Rev. Jay Patton, Rev. Homer Smith and Rev. Hazard and a few living souls gave me books like dear Clair Umstead and Grant Cross I used some of them to prepare this message today.

God gives everyone abilities to serve Him.

We have some of the best cooks on earth in this church. They bring dinners to families in need. They quietly serve.
Look in your bulletin this morning- done by a graphic artist among us as a labor of love.
The church is germ free and clean because of a three people who will be here tomorrow while many of us are just getting up and cleaning this building from top to bottom. They quietly take care of this house.
The children are being taught downstairs this morning by ladies who know how to handle kids with Biblical material put together just for them.

Everything necessary to do God's work for us in this locale.

Some questions for us to ponder as you readers of the Sunday Morning Message Blog:

1. What are your God given abilities?
What are you passionate about?
Where are the broken places in your life?
Where is there pain in your life?

David wrote the Psalms - music/lyrics but after that decade of nightmarish hell he went through when Saul hunted him down and tried to kill him he wrote some of the most beautiful Psalms of healing and help for those in pain (Psalm 50-70)

2. What are you doing with your God given abilities right now?
The Church with all its faults is still the best serving organization on earth so get into it and serve!- E. Stanely Jones

3. What do you plan to do in the future with these God given abilities?
Only what is done for Christ will last, make it to eternity and last forever.

Jesus, Here Am I, Please Use Me

The LORD Carries Us

Exodus 28.1-30
Hebrews 4.14-5.10

The center figure in the tabernacle/ temple was the High Priest. Aaron was the first. The priesthood was through his descendants. He had garments which were according to the specifications God gave Moses here in this passage from Exodus.

Two pieces of that garment were the ephod and the breastpiece. On the ephod were two stones which went on the shoulders, each bearing six of the names of the twelve tribes of Israel in birth order. On the breastpiece were 12 different precious stones each representing a tribe of Israel, the names of Jacob's sons.

These were earthly things with heavenly meaning, physical objects giving us great spiritual lessons.

The high priest was a man not an angel. His personality came through his office. For example Eli- I Samuel 1.9-17 falsely accused Hannah of excessive drinking when she was actually in sorrow.
Some high priests were high and mighty like Caiaphas.
Others were somewhat judgmental like Eli.
Some still were kind and humble. How glad the people of Israel must have been when they received a high priest who was meek and kind.

The garments were passed down from generation to generation. They reminded the high priest that he was to bear the burdens of the people on his shoulders and bring them to the LORD. They reminded the high priest that he was to carry the people on his heart- each tribe and every person.

Jesus is our Great High Priest forever Hebrews 4.14-5.10

1. We are Carried on His Shoulders Isaiah 9.6 The government will be upon His shoulders
The shoulders are where we carry things- heavy loads and wonderful blessings Like children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews!
We speak of shouldering something in the sense we are taking responsibility and carrying someone's load.
Jesus shoulders our concerns before Our Father in Heaven.
His speciality as High Priest is the bruised reed and smoldering wick Matthew 12.20

Look at the heart of Jesus in these verses:
Mark 6.34 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.
Matthew 15.42 I have compassion for these people; they have already been with Me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way."
Mark 1.41 Filled (like locked in with a vice) with compassion, Jesus reached out His Hand and touched the man.
Matthew 11.28-30

Our Great High Priest...

2. We are Carried Upon the Heart of Jesus. Hebrews 4.14-16
sympathize= to be affected with the same feeling as another

The heart is a fascinating organ. When I studied Biology back in High School 40 years ago I felt like we were getting short changed. Miss Adler was an excellent teacher. When it came to the required teaching of Darwin's Origins of the Species she made it clear- crystal clear that this was just a theory not fact. We weren't allowed to bring in discussions about Creation and the LORD but that was bigger now than I realize. We therefore were not allowed to bring in the scripture which speaks about the heart not just as this incredible organ that pumps blood through the body but also as a seat of the emotions. The heart can feel like no other organ with the exception of the brain. One of my favorite movies is IQ Think Love. It is a spoof on Albert Einstein but it is full of spiritual truth- Walter Matthieu plays Einstein. He tells his niece and her boyfriend, "You both have good hearts. Don't let your brain get in the way of your heart."

If I spend an hour or two with my grandkids I leave with my heart feeling very light and full of joy. If someone shares a burden it is carried in my memory (Sometimes I forget) but also on my heart. I feel it here. Anger is there as well as love. What is the symbol of Valentine's Day?- a Heart of course!

Israel's tribes were carried on the breastplate. Those jewels reflected light showing God's love for His people. What patience Jesus had (and has). When He was here on earth He repeated Himself over and over again.

Those who come to Him are:
1- In need
2- humble
3- sinful
4- God fearing
5- Believing He can help them

You'll never hear from Him:
"You ought to know better! What's the matter with you!"

What you will find with Jesus is Someone Who will sit and listen!

In our times of deep distress

The LORD Jesus gives us rest

In times when we can't go on

He fills our heart with a song

He is our great High Priest

He bring us hope and peace.